I found the lump myself and underwent a lumpectomy to have it removed. The doctor also did a lymph node removal to see if the cancer had spread. Thankfully, it hadn’t, so I went through daily radiation treatments for six weeks.
Going through the actual process of radiation treatment is painless and only takes about a minute. However, the side effects come slowly and build up over time in the tissues of the skin. Redness and irritation are common. This isn’t so bad in comparison to some of the other side effects of cancer treatments. But this does take a toll, and since the effect is cumulative, it grows with every treatment. Fatigue is also a major side effect of radiation treatment, and I used aromatherapy blends to help combat it. I also used topical treatments on my scars to help with healing.
Now, before I describe how I used aromatherapy, essential oils, and aloe throughout this process, I want to point out that doctors ask you not to apply anything to the irradiated area. That’s not because it has any effect on the treatment. It doesn’t. Instead, it’s because the radiotherapists put little marks on you to indicate where the radiation beams should be directed. I opted to have the tiny pin marks tattooed on. Yhey rubbed off anyway throughout the day, even when I wasn’t applying anything.
Both my oncologist and radiologist were aware of my profession, and they approved my use of complementary and self-administered treatment.
The Irritation and the Incisions
First, I applied aloe (Aloe barbadensis) straight from the plant. The doctors warned me against applying anything with alcohol. Moreover, I wanted to stay away from the preservatives found in many commercially-prepared aloe lotions, so the plant itself was the best way to go. This alone was very soothing and helpful to the area.
I also used a water spray on the irradiated breast, and this is where the essential oils came into play. Using a four-ounce spray bottle filled with distilled water, I added equal amounts of Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) and Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum). I sprayed this onto the skin after radiation and after my morning shower. When the skin became increasingly tender, I upped the amount. I used this every day during treatment and continued using it for a month after the radiation had ended.
The redness persisted, but the severe irritation ended two weeks after the treatment. Though skeptical of my brand of medicine, the radiologist admitted that my skin fared better than most. He said he was amazed by the lack of burning.
As for the incisions, I had both a one-inch and a three-inch incision from each of the removal procedures. I applied Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) and Artemisia (Artemisia arborescens, high chamazulene, Pacific Northwest variety). Using a 50:50 ratio and diluted at 10% in fractionated coconut oil, I believe this helped with healing and preventing any inflammation or infection. Thanks to my topical treatment and an excellent plastic surgeon (see—complementary!), I barely have scarring now.
Fatigue and Mood
I also used aromatherapy to help with the fatigue and the emotional side effects of a six-week radiation treatment. My afternoon blend included stimulating oils like Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, camphor variety), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), and Basil (Ocimum basilicum). I put this blend in an air diffuser.
When I wanted to rest, I used blends containing Lavender (Lavendula officinalis), Neroli (Citrus aurantium), Rose (Rosa damascena), and Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens). Out of those, my favorite was Geranium, and that’s what was most often in the diffuser. I also put 5-10 drops of this oil in my bath, and these practices really helped with my moods. Cancer and cancer treatment are very difficult on a person’s well-being, and having my favorite oils there to help me was an immense comfort.
I used Rose in times of depression and confusion as well. To demonstrate how much psychology plays a part in this, I’ll tell you that I used Rose after my mother passed away. So I had developed a cognitive association with Rose when I needed to work through grief. This helped the oil stimulate that response in me again.
What I learned
While I was treating myself and following the advice of my doctors, I also received an immense amount of love and support from the aromatherapy community. I could feel them out there, sending healing vibes and providing unseen but much-felt protection. I learned how important that network is. It can be incredibly healing to have a friendly and open support system.
I also learned how to rest because it was required of me, medically. I’m sure anyone who’s active can understand this, but sometimes I didn’t know how to stop. However, I learned this was necessary in order for my body to recover and recuperate. Once the fatigue set in, I had to rest or else I risked prolonging recovery. Additionally, I learned that sometimes I can’t physically do everything I want to do, and that asking for help isn’t shameful. That was a fantastic life lesson for me—one I wish upon everyone.
I’ve also become much more active in volunteer work since then. I participate in several cancer groups and speak about my experience using aromatherapy as complementary treatment.
I truly believe both approaches can be used in combination as powerful tools for those suffering from cancer and undergoing cancer treatment.
Yes, Sylla — I remember when you had the "C" diagnosis — I had just completed my treatment in the very same manner — with the exact results (yes – this is duplicatable!!). I remember sharing this with Moffit — and presented this in one of their ‘care-givers’ events. Most women were very surprised at what they could do to help themselves, and in some cases, their friends — and wondered why they hadn’t heard about it before from their doctors. I know all doctors mean well — but they are not trained in or know much, if anything about the power and efficacy of essential oils as a complimentary treatment to procedures that they do. It is time to open our minds, in all ways that we work to regain health and healing in our lives. I’m so grateful for these precious oils that assist us in our efforts to bring balance to our lives.
Thanks for sharing. (Needless to say — Moffit did nothing to adapt these helpful remedies………..)
Were you hormone receptor positive? I have so many questions about using certain oils if you are HR+. Would appreciate any answers!
Hi Karen, yes mine was positive. You can email me direct if you want to talk sy***@ta******.com.
I too have questions as to what I should avoid. Any advice?
My breast CA was 18 years ago and I din’t know about EO’s. but did use aloe and it definitely helped. Thanks you for sharing new info.
I had estrogen + with lumpectomy and radiation last yr. I used aloe from the health store and did not get burned. My oncologist suggested the aloe near the end he asked what I used since I did not burn and told him. he said many of his clients use the blue or green stuff(bad dyes) from the dollar store and get burns and have to delay treatment. Cannot believe people would go thru this agony and then skimp on cheap, fake lotion! they did real tattoos on my breast area, so lotion could be used only not 1 hr before treatment. wish I knew about the EO’s then to combat exhaustion since i still worked everyday.
I was diagnosed on May 31st 2013 with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, I had a BLM with 15 lymph nodes removed and all were positive and I had more LN involvement on PET scan so that staged me at a 3C. 7&1/2 months of very aggressive chemo and 2 months of radiation ending on 7/7/14. I did not use EO’s at the time but I did put Coconut Oil and Aloe on my skin and that helped, I too was E&P+ and Her2- I am currently on my 4th Estrogen Blocker and are just not agreeing with me, as with Karen I am curious if you needed and or took the Estrogen Blockers post treatment?
HI Shary
I chose not to use those, at the time the evidence against out weighed the tiny percentage of usefulness. And time has proven that the drugs do little. Of course all cases are different and you have to make your own choices! Hope this helps.
Thank you for your inspirational, informative and honest article.
I was diagnosed with a very similar breast cancer (Stage 1a IDC) a little over a month a go (June 10, 2015) and underwent lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy (negative biopsy) on July 2nd. I will be starting radiation soon and am interested in using my essential oils to help me through treatment. I’m glad you shared this and I’m glad I found it. Take care. Denice
Thank you so much for your excellent information! Eleven years ago I was diagnosed with stage 2 HER-2+ breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy to remove a 5cm x 3.5cm tumor then had 6 months of chemo, 6 weeks of radiation, and 52 weeks of Herceptin infusions. Wish I had known about EOs then! I’m cancer free, but my surgery left me very lopsided, so in March I had breast reduction surgery on the opposite side to balance things out. Now I have this major scar I’m trying to treat. I want to make some lotion bars with cocoa butter and EOs, but not sure what oils to use. Do you have any recommendations on what I can use to reduce the scarring?
I have had a skin care specialist suggest mango butter as the base. I think Helichrysum and Vetiver are good essential oils for scars, if I’m not mistaken.
I am getting prepared for surgery with similar cancer. I have both lobular in situ (not considered cancer – I need to research why) and invasive ductal that is estrogen positive. After reading this I am getting some pure aloe and coconut oil along with essential oils. I already have a few and love them!
Hi, I have a friend who went through radiation for a lump in one breast, and after just a year a fast-growing tumour in the other breast required masectomy. I would really like to give her some essential oils to try but I feel a bit lost. I found a recipe online that is: 5ml Bay Laurel
4ml Frankincense
2ml Lemongrass
1/2ml Rose Otto
1/2ml Organic Jasmine Extract
I would like to know what you think of this recipe, as you have personally been through radiation before. Would this recipe be helpful for healing the radiated breast (radiation was done over a year ago), or would you suggest something else like what you describe using DURING your radiation treatments. Thanks very much for your expert advice.
Hi…I had breast cancer 2 yrs ago. I had 2 lumpectomy and radiation…a year later I started reconstruction. Because of the radiation my tissue does not heal as it should. My plastic surgeon wants me to wait a year before we try anything else. What oils can I use during this year to help the radiated tissue to heal??
Hi I was just diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma and carcinoma in situ. I am trying to follow your advise but cannot seem to find Artemisia arborescens, high chamazulene, Pacific Northwest variety. Can you please advise on where I can purchase it?
use blue tansy or German cham instead as its no longer available!
Thank you for the honest article. I enjoyed reading your story and the way in which essential oils helped you through the journey.
Calendula oil is good for healing the skin, and even some scar tissue.